Fredrick Thomas Stoba

Fred Stoba passed away at Richmond General Hospital on July 29, 2005 while returning from the Philippines, where he had lived for the past 10 years.

He is survived by his loving mother, Rosalind Stoba, his friend Amie and her son Glyn in the Philippines, his sisters Kathryn Stewart and Diana McKay, brother Harry Stoba; three aunts, Mrs. Patricia Sanders, Mrs. Bonicia Harbidge and Mrs. Marney Miller. As well as many nieces, nephews, and grand nieces and grand nephews.

Fred was predeceased by his father William Fredrick Stoba and his sister Christina.

Fred had the distinction of being on the Reach for the Top program when he was in school. Fred loved building stone walls and working in the garden. He loved his years in the Philippines and will be returned to rest there.

He will be sadly missed by his family.

A service was held in his memory at St. Stephens Anglican Church in Saanichton, B.C.

PAYAG

Peter the nurse laughed.

You want a pillow just to hold? Like for security?

I nodded.

To sleep in a clean bed in a clean Canadian hospital is truly a fine thing; and if you are fresh-washed and pillowfixed, so much the better. A good place for a sick person to feel as comfortable as possible.

There is another in the Philippines, calling me. A bed where three sleep, usually; me, my wife, and my son. The platform and sides of the bed are the floor and walls of a split bamboo payag high up in the cool mountains.

The first person lies down, and then the next like a spoon behind, and then another. As one lies down behind, a butterfly wing raises that covers the one next in front. One of my wings is for under me. One of my wings is for over you.

All night the butterfly wing that covers your feet, leg, and shoulder is adjusted, and all night you adjust a corresponding butterfly wing over someone else.